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acquisitions as recommended. Eugene has benefited from the parks acquisition e program. Approximately $2 million is left, and the council will act on that budget. A great deal of energy was spent on acquiring the riverfront property. The December 22, 1980, City Council minutes indicate that there was one property outstanding in the riverfront acquisition and that is what was before the council two weeks ago. In the Parks & Recreation Department quarterly report, two pages were devoted to the original acquisition situation. They will devote a centerfold in the Parks & Recreation Leisure Schedule to the acquisition program. It seems that additional acquisitions may be needed. They have received comments from Mr. Hoffman who owns property at 128 Lawrence which is across from the property being considered for purchase, and he is urging support for the acquisition of that property. There needs to be solutions for parking and congestion. The present acquisition program has not varied from the original intent. Today, staff is asking authorization to acquire the property at Cheshire and Lawrence and that is the staff recommendation. Staff reviewed the acquisi- tion program with the Joint Parks Committee this morning, and that committee felt that the Parks & Recreation Department is on schedule and should proceed with the remaining acquisitions. Ms. Schue stated that Mr. Drapela1s report is accurate and the Joint Parks Committee feels it should be completed as outlined. Mr. Hamel agreed and stated that this is part of the completion program for riverfront acquisition, and it was to be presented to the council today according to the feelings of the joint parks committe. Mr. Obie asked if money was allocated for a downtown area park. Mr. Drapela stated that there was, but it is difficult to identify land available within e their financial means. Mr. Obie stated that one of his reasons for supporting this proposed acquisition is that it was identified in 1975-76. He asked how the Parks Department establishes its priorities as to which properties to acquire. Mr. Drapela stated that staff is trying to follow the original plan. The total program was conceived in 1975-76. They need $4.5 million to fulfill the program. They are negotiating on the final acquisitions. Mr. Obie asked how this proposed acquisition would be beneficial to the city residents. Mr. Drapela stated this would help develop the west end of Skinner Butte and it follows the Willamette Greenway criteria. This property is not separate from other acquisitions that have been completed. Mr. Obie asked if this would be for parking. Mr. Drapela said that it would not necessarily be used for parking and that at present this property would be land banked. This plan has been developed and presented to the neighborhood organizations. Mr. Obie asked if there are plans for inclusion of a community park board in the Master Plan. Mr. Drapela stated they will follow the park master plan and work with the neighborhood groups. In addition, when a site is proposed, it will be sub- mitted to the West Skinner Butte and Whiteaker neighborhoods. Mr. Obie asked if it was correct that they are in the process of developing a 20-year plan, but they are not recommending a community parks board. Mr. Drapela stated that they are not exactly recommending a community parks board. Some neighbor- hood groups have parks subcommittees. In areas where interest is expressed to participate, they are being included. e MINUTES--Eugene City Council July 8, 1981 Page 8